Escorted Tour Through Vietnam
I had the opportunity to visit Vietnam courtesy of Mercury Holidays on an escorted tour—my first long-haul trip, and it was totally worth it! We started off in Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After dinner, we took an open-top bus tour around Ho Chi Minh City, which I highly recommend.
We also visited pagodas, Ho Chi Minh’s resting place, and took a boat trip down the Mekong River, visiting four different islands along the way. Another highlight was exploring the Floating Markets before taking our internal flight to Hanoi. In Hanoi, the weather was much cooler and less humid compared to the south. We visited temples, enjoyed cooking demonstrations at local restaurants, and watched the famous water puppet show in the evening.
We were also lucky enough to board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, where we explored caves, went canoeing, and stopped at Ti Top Beach for a swim to cool down. A personal highlight for me was visiting the famous Train Street in Hanoi—if you get the chance, this is a must-see when you visit!
The Journey
I travelled to Heathrow from Cornwall, starting with a flight from Newquay to Gatwick, followed by a train journey to London Heathrow. Upon arriving at Heathrow, I had some time to relax while waiting for my group, enjoying a nice breakfast at one of the cafés and a coffee at Nero.
The check-in process for our Vietnam Airlines flight was seamless, and before we knew it, we were through security and browsing duty-free. Upon arrival in Vietnam, getting through passport control took a little time, but the internal flight to Hanoi was smooth and hassle-free.
Top Tip
Take plenty of money for tipping.
Chu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War and served as the Viet Cong’s base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Visitors have the option to enter one of three tunnels if they want to experience this.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is truly breathtaking. It is renowned for its stunning limestone karsts jutting out of emerald-green waters, creating a mesmerising and otherworldly landscape. The bay stretches over 1,500 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1,600 rocky islands and islets adorned with lush vegetation and secluded beaches.
We boarded an overnight cruise, experiencing the caves, beaches, monkeys, and tai chi at sunrise.
Train Street
Hanoi Train Street lies on the edge of the Old Quarter. While it is not difficult to find, it does take some preparation to watch the train pass through this narrow passage. The most interesting part is when the locals routinely put away their belongings to allow the train to pass. Finding the right spot in time is essential if you want a good view of the train.
It truly is an amazing experience
Accommodation
Hotel Paragon Saigon 4*
The hotel is right in the city of Saigon, it’s ideal location to go exploring the amazing sights of Ho Chi Minh.
Muong Thanh Can Tho 4*
Located in Can Tho, the central city of the Mekong Delta. Famous for Ninh Kieu Wharf, Cai Rang floating market, where a typical Southern cultural activity is still preserved.
Muong Thanh Centre Hanoi 4*
Hotel is located in the heart of Hanoi. A great location to connect and explore the ancient beauty of the thousand-year-old city. Visitors can take a stroll to enjoy the cool air of the Blue Sword Lake, watch the quiet Opera House, and enjoy the bustling life of the mossy old town.
Final Thoughts
I’m so grateful for this experience, I’ve had the most amazing time in Vietnam and will certainly be back again to visit the areas I didn’t see. I highly recommend visiting and the memories will last a lifetime.
Yasmin Walmsley
